Ferris State University - Ferriscope Yearbook (Big Rapids, MI)

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FSC Requests Funding By Public Affairs On the same day it helped open the temporary home for two heavy equipment programs, Ferris State College’s Board of Control again adopted a capital outlay budget request making the permanent Heavy Equipment Technology Building the top priority. At its meeting September I5, FSC’s Board of Control reviewed and passed the College's 1985-86 capital outlay budget request headed by a $7.1 million request to complete plans and begin construction on the long-sought HET Building, authorized for programming by the state in 1973. A General Services Building constructed this summer will temporarily house the heavy equipment services and heavy duty engine technology programs. The former off-campus facility used by the two programs had become inadequate and unsafe. Board members Joined College officials in ceremonies opening the Heavy Equipment Building General Services Building, a facility which later will be used for the College physical plant maintenance and other related service functions. Nearby the new south campus building, stakes with flags and a large sign marked the site of the 52,000-square foot, permanent Heavy Equipment Technology Building. Temporary Heavy Equipment and Technology Building. -

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A ' . si 7 - Photo by Loren Jessop President Wenrich

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Photo by Thomas Brownell Hitachi Plant Donated Governor James Blanchard on October 4, announced a $350,000 donation from Hitachi Metals International, Ltd., to Ferris State College in support of the College’s Manufacturing Resource Productivity Center. In a visit to campus, Governor Blanchard said that, effective December |, Hitachi International will be donating the entire Hitachi complex in Big Rapids to Ferris to house its MRPC, an applied research center designed to assist in the economic revitalization of the state. The gift includes a 35,000 square- foot building, valued at approximately $230,000, and equipment valued at about $120,000. In announcing the major industrial donation, Govenor Blanchard noted that he had met last May in New York City with Shinya Shirakura, president of Hitachi International. ‘‘We discussed our economic development needs in Michigan, particularly in this region of the state, which has tremendous potential for future economic growth. “Mr. Shirakura has generously provided the physical facility for the important new Manufacturing Resource and Productivity Center,” said Govenor Blanchard. ‘‘The MRPC will utilize the technical expertise and training capabilities available through Ferris’ School of Technology toward meeting the needs of business and Industry, particularly in the north western Michigan area.” While visiting Ferris in the fall, Govenor Blanchard had pledged state support for the proposed MRPC, and recommended the $236,000 to begin implementation of the Center which was included in Michigan's 1984-85 higher education budget. The Center primarily will benefit small and medium-sized businesses and industries which do not have an applied research and problem-solving capability, and will provide training for new jobs and retraining, including technical updating for current employees. ‘Lam extremely pleased to see this kind of superb cooperation between industry and higher education, which is exactly the basis of my economic development plan for Michigan,”’ said Govenor Blanchard. Ferris President J. William Wenrich assured the govenor of Ferris State College’s ‘‘absolute commitment”’ to participate in the economic development program of the state, and termed the Hitachi gift ‘‘a major enabling force allowing us to respond to industrial training needs.” The govenor was inducted as a charter member of the 24-person Industrial Council of the MRPC which includes west Michigan business and industry representatives from Cadillac to Kalamazoo. He also spoke with 14 members of the Council who were on campus for a meeting. Hitachi Plant Donated 9